Metrocentre continues to attract major retail investment as Boots revamps store

Gateshead’s Metrocentre has announced a series of brand investments across its Platinum and Green Malls and the standout among them is anchor health & beauty retail giant Boots.

“Demonstrating further commitment to the top five super-regional [mall]”, Boots’ 40,000 sq ft store has refreshed its existing space, improving accessibility to its wide-ranging health and beauty products as well as its opticians’ services.

Having already served Metrocentre’s local communities for almost 40 years, the new refurbishment “signals a clear commitment to the destination, providing visitors with a fresh environment”, says operator Sovereign Centros from CBRE.

And Boots is having to contend with increasing competition from major rivals including Sephora, Superdrug and Rituals spending big on opening flagships in high-profile UK shopping centres.

Asset manager Ben Cox said:  “The partnerships we create and sustain with our brands are indispensable to the overall experience here, and we will always encourage and support our retailers to maximise their spaces to their full potential. Th[is] investment signals confidence, stability, and long-term commitment, and continues to highlight the strength of Metrocentre and its surrounding catchment.”

The news follows the recent announcement that Urban Outfitters has signed for its first UK store this year, set to take 8,000 sq ft in Metrocentre’s Upper Mall next to Zara, H&M, and New Look.